VSA in Tokelau

VSA volunteer profiles

Kalisi Viliamu-Hope – Teacher Trainer/Mentor

Kalisi Viliamu-Hope is a Teacher Trainer/Mentor in Atafu, Tokelau with the Department of Education. She completes her assignment in May 2013.

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About Tokelau

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Tokelau is an external territory administered by New Zealand, situated 500km north of Samoa and consisting of three atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo.  Each is separated by 100 to 150km of open sea. There are only around 1,400 Tokelauans living across the three atolls, although a further 6,000 are now living in New Zealand. Tokelau is one of the most isolated places in the world, only accessible by a 30-hour boat trip from Samoa.

Tokelau has a system of governance based on a Taupulega or Council of Elders. There is a Taupulega on each atoll which is representative of local families. The Taupulega directs village activities and representatives from each Taupulega make up the General Fono (the parliament of Tokelau). Life on the atolls is quite structured and many traditional customs are still practised.  

Tokelau is predominately Christian; Atafu is mainly Congregational Christian Church, Nukunonu is Catholic and Fakaofo is a mixture of both. 

Economy

The majority of Tokelau’s income is provided through aid from New Zealand and remittances from Tokelauans resident overseas.     

Development challenges

In economic development, Tokelau’s key challenges stem from its isolation and lack of viable land to undertake any large scale agriculture. In education, limited numbers of trained teachers and lack of senior secondary schools are pressing issues. There are social challenges precipitated by the small population and the limited capacity to supply facilities and services for the three atolls.

Find out more about VSA's involvement in Tokelau by reading the recent case study: Rethinking Tokelau Education. Read case study

Living and working in Tokelau

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Language and culture

VSA assignments usually last two years, so local language training is important.  We provide basic Tokelauan language materials prior to volunteers going on assignment and encourage you to learn the language from the local people while in Tokelau.

Understanding and respecting local customs is vital to a successful assignment. Tokelau is a small, isolated community and volunteers need to be aware of how this will impact on day-to-day life. Tokelauans are strongly religious and church-based activities will take precedence over all other activities in the village, including school and work. 

Housing and living conditions

Partner organisations provide volunteers with basic, furnished accommodation. All power is generator-based and the supply varies between the atolls.  All our volunteer housing will have gas facilities for cooking.  Water is collected through rainwater tanks and volunteers need to conserve water during dry periods.

Dress standards

Tokelau is a conservative country and some Western style clothing is not appropriate. Loose-fitting, light, cotton clothing is best.  For men choose long pants, knee-length shorts and short-sleeved shirts.  For women, dresses, skirts and t-shirts are commonly worn – sleeveless shirts are also acceptable.  Don’t expose skin above the knee though, especially when attending traditional or religious events.

Health

Skin infections can develop quickly in the tropical climate so have a good supply of plasters, antibiotic cream and antibiotics. There are health clinics staffed by nurses on each of the atolls and there is a generally a doctor on at least one atoll. However, health care is basic and you’ll need to be responsible for managing your own health while on assignment.  

Safety

We provide all selected volunteers with a thorough security briefing and specific local issues are covered during your in-country orientation. In general, there are few security issues, although be aware that you will be living in a small, isolated community where everyone knows everything about each other.

Banking and finances

Volunteers set up a bank account at the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office (TALO) in Samoa on the way to Tokelau. Tokelau is a cash society and volunteers are able to withdraw cash from the TALO agent on each atoll. The NZ dollar is the currency in Tokelau.

Cell phones and email

Tokelau does not have a cell phone network at present.  Internet is via ’broadband‘ but this is still slow and limited compared to New Zealand.  Internet access will either be through the partner organisation or at the Teletok (local Telecom) office – there are no internet cafes.  Volunteers can make international phone calls from the Teletok office. It is also possible to set up a landline in your own home (at your own cost), although line rental and calls are very expensive.